Biosphere Reserves – Forest Conservation

Biosphere reserves are ‘learning places for sustainable development’. They are sites for testing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and managing changes and interactions between social and ecological systems, including conflict prevention and management of biodiversity.

Biosphere reserves bring together life in all its diversity in a unique model in which people develop a sense of responsibility in the face of a changing world, while at the same time contributing to economic activity.

As they pursue sustainable development, biospheres also promote human well-being and share with the rest of society their experience in harmonious, diverse coexistence with nature.

There are 14 Biosphere Reserves in India. Four Biosphere Reserves, namely (i) Nilgiri; (ii) Nanda Devi (iii) Sunderbans; and (iv) Gulf of Mannar have been recognised by the UNESCO on World Network of Biosphere Reserves.